What’s the best way to handle opponents who constantly lob?

How to Handle Opponents Who Constantly Lob in Padel

You’re in the middle of a match, and your opponent is relentless with those lobs. You’re stuck running back and forth, feeling more like a ping pong ball than a padel player. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever faced a lob-happy opponent, you know how frustrating it can be. But don’t worry—it’s not game over. Here’s how you can handle those endless lobs like a pro.

The Immediate Response: Patience is Your Best Weapon

First, breathe. It’s tempting to try to smash every lob that comes your way. But that’s exactly what your opponent wants you to do. Lobs are designed to bait you into over-hitting or making mistakes. The trick is to stay calm, and don’t rush. The last thing you want to do is panic and go for that wild smash, only to send the ball into the net or out of bounds.

The best way to handle an endless barrage of lobs is to be patient. Keep your focus, get into position, and return the lob with a controlled shot. Think of it as a mental game—you’re not just playing against their lobs; you’re playing against the temptation to lose your cool.

Positioning: Where You Stand Changes Everything

Now, let’s talk positioning. A lot of players make the mistake of hanging out at the net, even when they know their opponents are going to lob. Bad idea. If you know the lob is coming, take a step or two back. This gives you more time to react and prevents you from getting caught in that awkward “oh crap, I’m too close” moment.

By moving back slightly, you can also get into a better position to handle the ball more comfortably. The key is to stay light on your feet and ready to adjust. If you’re too far back, you’ll lose control of the net. If you’re too close, the lob will eat you alive. It’s a balance.

The Power of the Smash: When (And When Not) to Use It

We all love a good smash. There’s nothing more satisfying than nailing a perfect smash that rockets past your opponents. But here’s the thing—smashing everything isn’t the answer. In fact, it’s usually the worst thing you can do against constant lobs. Why? Because unless your smash is perfectly timed and positioned, it’s going to end up in the glass or way out of bounds.

Instead, reserve your smash for those moments when the lob is just high and slow enough for you to take control. If you’re too far back or the lob is too deep, focus on returning it safely rather than going for the kill. The goal is to keep the rally going while you wait for a better opportunity to win the point.

Adapt Your Game Plan: Bring the Battle to Them

If your opponents are relying on lobs, it usually means they’re trying to avoid direct confrontation at the net. They’re playing a defensive game, and that’s where you can strike back—literally. The best way to counter their lob strategy is to mix up your game.

Start by throwing in a few drop shots and fast volleys. This will force them out of their comfort zone and make them play closer to the net, where they’ll be less likely to lob. By varying your shots, you can take control of the tempo and put the pressure back on them.

Don’t Forget the Counter-Lob

Here’s a trick you might not have thought of—fight fire with fire. If your opponents keep lobbing, why not lob them right back? A well-timed counter-lob can force your opponents into awkward positions, making it difficult for them to return the ball effectively.

The counter-lob isn’t just a defensive move; it’s a way to regain control of the game. But remember, like any good lob, your counter-lob needs to be high and deep. Aim for the back of the court, and watch your opponents scramble to chase it down.

Communicate with Your Partner

Padel is a team game, and dealing with lob-heavy opponents requires solid communication with your partner. If you’re constantly getting lobbed, talk to your partner about adjusting your positioning and shot selection. For example, one of you might decide to hang back while the other stays closer to the net. This can help you cover more ground and be ready for whatever shot comes your way.

You can also decide on who will take the smash if the opportunity arises. One of the worst things that can happen is both of you going for the same ball—or worse, neither of you going for it. So, communicate, stay in sync, and cover the court together.

Turn Their Strategy Against Them

The beauty of padel is that it’s as much a mental game as a physical one. If your opponents are relying heavily on lobs, it means they’re avoiding engaging in more aggressive, close-quarters play. Use this to your advantage.

Start by mixing up your own shots—some low, fast shots followed by a lob of your own can confuse them and force errors. Also, pay attention to how they respond to your different shots. If you notice that they struggle with faster-paced rallies, start pushing the tempo when they least expect it.

The Mental Game: Stay Calm, Stay Consistent

It’s easy to get frustrated when your opponents keep lobbing. You’re ready for a fast-paced game, but instead, you’re chasing high balls over and over again. The mental side of padel is just as important as the physical, and this is where patience really comes in.

Lob-heavy opponents are hoping that you’ll crack, that you’ll lose patience and start making mistakes. Don’t give them the satisfaction. Stay calm, keep returning those lobs, and wait for the right moment to strike. The longer you keep your cool, the more likely they are to make a mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Handling Opponents Who Lob